Truth Unites Did the FIRST Christians Worship Jesus?
Mar 3, 2025
Gavin Ortlund explores the fascinating claim that the earliest Christians worshiped Jesus as God right from the beginning. He challenges the notion that this belief developed gradually over time, referring instead to a 'Big Bang' moment of recognition. The discussion highlights key evidence, including the significance of the hymn from Philippians 2, which illustrates the early acknowledgment of Jesus's divine identity shortly after his life. This deep dive into early Christian worship opens new perspectives on faith and theology.
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Immediate Worship
- Some scholars argue a high Christology slowly evolved after Jesus's life.
- Gavin Ortlund challenges this, arguing early Christians immediately worshipped Jesus as God.
Philippians Hymn
- Philippians 2:6-11, possibly an early Christian hymn, offers insights into Jesus's divinity.
- It suggests Jesus pre-existed in divine form and was equal to God.
Form of God
- The phrase "in the form of God" describes Jesus's pre-incarnate state.
- This doesn't merely mean appearance but participation in God's identity, implying equality with God.